Fabric article treating device and system

ABSTRACT

A fabric article treating device for dispensing benefit composition to a fabric article treating appliance. The device includes a housing which contains a reservoir, an energy harvesting system, an energy storing device, a fluid handling system and a control unit. The reservoir contains a benefit composition. The control unit is adapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from the device utilizing the fluid handling system. The energy harvesting system is adapted to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fabric article treating device foruse with a fabric article drying appliance, and more specifically to aunique fabric article treating device for dispensing a benefitcomposition employing a self-contained housing and reservoir.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fabric article treating methods and/or apparatus have been evolving overthe past twenty years. An ongoing need exists to develop a fabricarticle treating method and/or apparatus, especially an in-home fabricarticle treating method and/or apparatus, that improves/enhances thedeposition of fabric article actives or benefit agents on the fabricarticles being treated as compared to the currently existing depositionmethods and/or apparatus. To date, various dosing devices have beenutilized to distribute a benefit agent onto fabric articles. One exampleof such a device, is a fabric softener ball, wherein the ball contains areservoir holding a certain amount of the benefit agent to be dispensedonto the fabric articles while in a fabric article drying appliance.These devices typically have no interior sensors or electronics todecide when to dispense the fabric article treating compositionMoreover, due to the particularly high heat environment present in afabric article drying appliance, devices that employ batteries to helppower interior sensor or electronics have drawbacks, since the high heatenvironment of a dryer typically drains the batteries quickly of theircharge and can even lead to destruction of the batteries in the device.As such, it would be advantageous to provide a fabric article treatingdevice which can be inserted into a fabric article drying appliance,wherein the fabric article treating device is adapted to dispense thebenefit compositions to the fabric article in the fabric article dryingappliance at optimum times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to fabric article treating devices andfabric article treating systems. More particularly, the invention isdirected to fabric article treating devices which are capable ofoperating in a high temperature environment, such as a fabric articledrying appliance, and contain the ability to dispense the benefitcompositions at the optimum time to the fabric articles in the fabricarticle drying appliance.

One embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article treatingdevice. The device comprises: a housing with at least one reservoirconfigured to contain benefit composition; an energy harvesting system,wherein the energy harvesting system is adapted to convert mechanical orthermal energy into electrical energy; an energy storing device, whereinthe energy storing device is adapted to store electrical energy from theenergy harvesting system; a fluid handling system, wherein the fluidhandling system is adapted to transport benefit composition from thereservoir to fabric in a fabric article drying appliance; and a controlunit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensing ofbenefit composition from the device.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article treatingdevice. The device comprises: a housing with at least one reservoirconfigured to contain benefit composition; an energy storing devicecomprising a capacitor; a fluid handling system, wherein the fluidhandling system is adapted to transport benefit composition from thereservoir to fabric in a fabric article drying appliance; and a controlunit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensing ofbenefit composition from the device.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is method for treating afabric article comprising delivering a benefit composition from thefabric article treating device of claim 1. The method comprises dryingthe fabric article in a fabric article drying appliance. During thedrying of the fabric article, a benefit composition is delivered fromthe fabric article treating device to the fabric article. In addition,during the drying of the fabric article, electrical energy is harvestedfrom mechanical or thermal energy and stored in the energy storingdevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the same willbe better understood from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric articletreating device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric articletreating device according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric articletreating device according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric articletreating device according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andnot intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims.Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will bemore fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar elements throughout theviews.

Definitions

All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a weight basisunless otherwise indicated. Except as otherwise noted, all amountsincluding quantities, percentages, portions, and proportions, areunderstood to be modified by the word “about”, and amounts are notintended to indicate significant digits. Except as otherwise noted, thearticles “a”, “an”, and “the” mean “one or more”.

As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps and otheringredients which do not affect the end result can be added. This termencompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.The compositions and methods/processes of the present invention cancomprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elementsand limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of theadditional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitationsdescribed herein.

The phrase “fabric article treating system” as used herein means afabric article treating device which may be discrete in relation to thefabric article drying appliance and/or a portion of it may be integratedinto the fabric article drying appliance.

“Fabric article” or “fabric” as used herein means any article that iscustomarily cleaned in a conventional laundry process or in a drycleaning process. The term encompasses articles of fabric including, butnot limited to, clothing, linen, drapery, clothing accessories, leather,floor coverings, sheets, towels, rags, canvas, polymer structures, andthe like. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or in partof fabric material, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpons, shoes,and the like.

As used herein, the term “benefit composition” refers to a compositionused to deliver a benefit to a fabric or article. Non-limiting examplesof materials and mixtures thereof which can comprise the benefitcomposition include: water, softening agents, crispening agents,perfume, water/stain repellents, refreshing agents, antistatic agents,antimicrobic agents, durable press agents, wrinkle resistance agents,odor resistance agents, abrasion resistance agents, solvents andcombinations thereof. The benefit composition may comprise a liquid, apowder, a suspension, or a gas product, and/or a combination of such. Inone embodiment, the benefit composition includes a preservative. Variouspreservatives which help maintain one or more properties of the benefitcomposition are generally known in the art and are suitable for useherein. One exemplary preservative is Dantoguard Plus™(dimethylol-5,5-dimethlyhydantoin) commercially available from Lonza(Fairfield, N.J., USA).

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fabric article treating device 5according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fabric articletreating device 5 comprises a housing 15, wherein the housing comprisesat least one reservoir 20 for containing a benefit composition, anenergy harvesting system 70, wherein the energy harvesting system 70 isadapted to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy;and an energy storing device 25, wherein the energy storing device 25 isadapted to store electrical energy from the energy harvesting system 70.The device 5 further comprises a fluid handling system 50, wherein thefluid handling system is adapted to transport the benefit compositionfrom the reservoir 20 to the laundry in the appliance. The device alsocomprises a control unit 30, wherein the control unit is adapted tocontrol dispensing of benefit composition from the device. For example,in one exemplary embodiment, the controller determines the optimumconditions at which to dispense benefit composition from the device. Inanother embodiment, the controller further activates the fluid handlingsystem to begin dispensing the benefit composition.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises one or moresensors 40 in electrical communication with the control unit 30. Oneexemplary sensor comprises a temperature sensor, which is adapted todetermine the temperature of the air within the fabric article dryingappliance. Another exemplary sensor comprises a humidity sensor, whichis adapted to detect the humidity in the air in the fabric articledrying appliance.

In one exemplary embodiment, the energy harvesting system 70 comprisesan electro-active polymer in electrical communication with the energystoring device 25, wherein the electro-active polymer is adapted toconvert mechanical energy into electrical energy. United States PatentApplication Publication US2004/0008853 discloses various electro-activepolymer devices which can be utilized in the present invention. Thetransformation between electrical and mechanical energy for the energyharvesting system is based on one or more active areas of theelectro-active polymer. Electro-active polymers are capable ofconverting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. Insome cases, an electro-active polymer may change electrical properties(for example, capacitance and resistance) with changing mechanicalstrain. Materials suitable for uses in electro-active polymers in theenergy harvesting system of the present invention may include anysubstantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combinations thereof)that deforms in response to a electrostatic force or whose deformationresults in a change in electrical field. Exemplary electro-activepolymers include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationUS2004/0008853. Other exemplary materials suitable for use aselectro-active polymers include silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomerssuch as VHB4910 acrylic elastomer as produced by 3M Corp. of St. Paul,Minn., polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprisingPVDF, pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymerscomprising silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like. Polymerscomprising silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymerscomprising silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising asilicone elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.

Materials used as an electro-active polymer may be selected based on oneor more material properties such as high electrical breakdown strains, alow modulus of elasticity (for large or small deformations), a highdielectric constant, etc.

As electro-active polymers of the present invention may deflect at highstrains, electrodes attached to the polymer should also deflect withoutcompromising mechanical or electrical performance. The electrodes areattached to the polymer to receive electrical energy from the polymerand transport the electrical energy to the energy harvesting system.Generally, electrodes suitable for use with the present invention may beof any shape or material provided that they are able to supply asuitable voltage to, or receive a suitable voltage from, anelectro-active polymer. The voltage may be either constant or varyingover time. In one embodiment, the electrodes adhere to the surface of apolymer. Electrodes adhering to the polymer in one exemplary embodimentare compliant and conform to the changing shape of the polymer.Correspondingly, the present invention may include compliant electrodesthat conform to the shape of an electro-active polymer to which they areattached. One skilled in the art will appreciate that certain electrodematerials may work particularly well with certain polymers, and may notwork well for others.

In one exemplary embodiment, the energy harvesting system 70 furthercomprises an accentuation device. The accentuation device is adapted toenhance the amount of mechanical energy that is applied to theelectro-active polymer. As one skilled in the art will appreciate,various devices can be utilized to enhance the amount of mechanicalenergy that is applied to the electro-active polymer. For example, theaccentuation device may comprise one or more stainless-steel balls whichare adapted to move about in the housing and to enhance the amount ofmechanical energy that is applied to the electro-active polymer. In oneexemplary embodiment, the fabric article treating device is placed inthe fabric article drying appliance with fabric articles to be dried.During the drying cycle, the fabric article treating device may betumbled throughout the fabric article appliance device. While not beinglimited to a theory, it is believed that the tumbling action will causethe electro-active polymer in the fabric article treating device to havea mechanical force imparted to it and as such generate electricalenergy. In one embodiment, the fabric article treating device compriseone or more accentuation devices in addition to the electro-activepolymer. In one exemplary embodiment, the accentuation device increasesthe mechanical force applied to the electro-active polymer. Otherexemplary accentuation devices include, but are not limited to,mini-hammers, beads, pellets, balls, and the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, the energy harvesting system comprisesa thermoelectric generator in electrical communication with the energystoring device. The thermoelectric generator is adapted to convertthermal energy into electrical energy. Typically, a thermoelectricgenerator converts heat directly into electricity with no moving parts.As heat moves from the hot air through the thermoelectric module, itcauses electrical current to flow. Low power thermoelectric generatorswork based on the thermoelectric principal and convert thermal energydirectly into electrical energy. They can be utilized wherever atemperature difference can be established, and provide a self-sufficientenergy source. One exemplary thermoelectric generator utilizes thin filmtechnology. Exemplary thermoelectric generators which may be utilized inthe present invention are available from Thin Film ThermoelectricGenerator Systems GmbH, of Hale, Germany. The ratio of heat flow tocurrent for a particular material is known as the Peltier coefficient.Its value is closely related to another intrinsic property, the Seebeckcoefficient. Thomson (Lord Calvin) established a relationship betweenthe Seebeck and Peltier coefficients and predicted the thirdthermoelectric effect, the Thomson Effect. This effect relates to theheating or cooling in a single homogeneous conductor when a currentpasses along it in the presence of a temperature gradient. These threeeffects are connected to each other by a simple relationship S=H/T.

When a thermal gradient, T, is applied to a solid, it will beaccompanied by an electric field, V, in the opposite direction; this isknown as the Seebeck effect. The ratio V/T is defined as the Seebeckcoefficient (S), and it is expressed in volts per degree Kelvin, or moreoften microvolts per degree Kelvin μV/K. The metals best suited forthermoelectric applications have maximum Seebeck coefficients of about10 μV/K or less, giving generating efficiencies of 1% which areuneconomical as a source of electric power, but enough to be used fortemperature sensing, as thermocouples. Metal thermocouples, whichgenerate tens of microvolts per degree temperature difference, are veryfamiliar temperature controlling sensors in domestic refrigerators andcentral heating systems. Over the past few years, there has been renewedinterest in the field of thermoelectrics accompanied by the developmentof synthetic semiconductors that possess Seebeck coefficients ofhundreds of microvolts and provide a useful amount of electrical power.

A thermoelectric generator is a heat engine which utilizes the electronsin the thermoelements as the working fluid rather than a gas or vapor. Athermogenerator (TEG) consists of a p-type and n-type piece ofthermoelectric material which generates electric current upon exposureto a temperature difference. These pieces are arranged electrically inseries and thermally in parallel. By means of combining a p-type andn-type semiconductor, voltage and therefore electrical power aregenerated. Because the thermopower, S, has the opposite sign for p-typeand n-type materials, contributions from both pieces are added to nearlydouble the generator voltage as that of a single element. For anefficient energy conversion, high electrical and low thermalconductivity, s and k, respectively are desired, in addition to a highthermopower. Exemplary thermogenerators include low powerthermogenerators commercially available from Hi-Z Technology, Inc. ofSan Diego, Calif. under the model name HZ-2 Thermoelectric Module.

In one exemplary embodiment, the energy storage device 25 comprises acapacitor. A capacitor has two terminals and it is adapted to storeelectrons. Inside the capacitor, the terminals are connected to twometal plates separated by a dielectric. The dielectric can be air,paper, plastic or other material that does not conduct electricity andkeeps the plates from touching each other. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, the plate on the capacitor that attaches to thenegative terminal of the energy harvesting system accepts electrons thatare generated by the energy harvesting system 70, alternatively, theplate on the capacitor that attaches to the positive terminal of theenergy harvesting system 70 loses electrons.

In another exemplary embodiment, the energy storing device 25 comprisesa high temperature battery. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, ahigh temperature battery has been constructed to be able to adapt toextended temperature ranges and harsh operating conditions.

High temperature batteries may comprise lithium. Exemplary hightemperature batteries include Model Nos. BR1225A, BR1632A, BR2330A, andBR2477A from Panasonic Corporation of North America (Elgin, Ill.). Theseexemplary high temperature batteries have a wide operation temperaturerange from −40° C. to approximately 125° C.

In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the fluid handlingsystem 50 comprises a pump 50 and a nozzle 60, wherein the pump 50 isadapted to discharge the benefit composition to the laundry through thenozzle 60 and wherein the pump 50 is in electrical communication withthe energy storing device 25 and the control unit. Dispensing of thebenefit composition can be achieved using any suitable spraying devicesuch as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, pressure swirl atomizers,high pressure fog nozzles or the like to deliver target particle size.Non-limiting examples of suitable nozzles include nozzles commerciallyavailable from Spray Systems, Inc. of Pomona, Calif. under the ModelNos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450, and 1650. Another suitable example of thenozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing nozzle made by Seaquist PerfectDispensing, of Cary, Ill. under Model No. DU-3813.

In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the fluidhandling system 50 comprises a valve 90 and transfer medium 80, whereinthe valve is in electrical communication with the energy storing device25 and the control unit 30, and wherein the valve 90 is adapted todispense the benefit composition to the laundry through the transfermedium 80 without utilizing a pump. The transfer medium 80, in oneexemplary embodiment comprises one or more porous members which allowthe benefit composition to permeate out away from the transfer medium tothe fabric articles in the laundry device. Exemplary transfer mediumscomprise a semi-permeable membrane, a wicking layer or a soft foamstructure. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any type oftransfer medium may be utilized which allows the benefit composition topass through the transfer medium to be dispensed to the fabric articlesin the fabric article drying device. In another exemplary embodiment,the energy harvesting system 70 comprises a piezo device which is inelectrical communication with the energy storing device. The piezodevice is adapted to convert mechanical energy into electrical energyand store the electrical energy in the energy storing device. Oneexemplary piezo device is commercially available from PAR Technologies,LLC, located in Hampton, Va.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises one or moresensors 40 in electrical communication with the control unit 30. In thisembodiment, the sensors 40 are adapted to provide information relatingto conditions in the appliance to the control unit 30 to help aid thecontrol unit 30 to determine when the optimum conditions exist todispense the benefit composition to the fabric articles in the fabricarticle drying appliance. Non-limiting examples of sensors include amotion sensor, a humidity sensor, and/or a temperature sensor. Forexample, a humidity sensor in communication with the control unit may beused to control the amount of composition being dispensed from thedevice and also may be utilized to determine the proper environmentalconditions during an operational cycle in which the dispensing eventshould take place. In one exemplary embodiment, the humidity sensor mayalso be used to maintain a specific humidity by controlling thedispensing of the benefit composition such that optimum de-wrinklingand/or other benefits are achieved. Many different types of humiditysensors could be used in conjunction with the present invention,including variable conductivity sensors. One such sensor is manufacturedby Honeywell, of Freeport, Ill. under the Model No. HIH-3610-001,although any of the HIH-3610 series may be used. Another exemplarysensor that may be utilized in the present invention is a temperaturesensor. One exemplary temperature sensor outputs an analog or digitalsignal along the electrical conductor that leads back to the controlunit. The control unit may comprise instructions that determine when theoptimum time is to dispense the benefit composition to the fabricarticles in the drying appliance.

In one exemplary embodiment, the housing 15 comprises a second reservoirfor containing an additional benefit composition. In this embodiment,the additional benefit composition may have the same or differentcomposition from the first benefit composition. For example, in oneembodiment, the additional benefit composition may contain aromafinishing agents, such as fragrances and other actives that are appliedlate in the operational drying cycle, whereas the other benefitcomposition may comprise softening or crispening agents which areapplied earlier in the operational drying cycle.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 3. In this embodiment, the fabric article treating device 105comprises a housing 15 which is adapted to contain a reservoir 20, anenergy storing device 25 a logic control system 30, one or more sensors40 and a fluid handling system 50 (pump). The reservoir 20 is adapted tocontain a benefit composition. The fluid handling system 50 is adaptedto transport the benefit composition from the reservoir to fabricarticles in the fabric article drying appliance. The control unit isadapted to determine an optimum time in which to dispense the benefitcomposition to the laundry through the fluid handling system. In thisembodiment, the energy storing device may comprise a rechargeable energydevice, or a non-rechargeable energy device. Exemplary energy storingdevices comprise high temperature batteries and capacitors. In therechargeable embodiment, the device 105 may further comprise a chargingterminal 108. The charging terminal is in electrical communication withthe energy storing device and is adapted to receive electrical currentfrom an outside source of the device 105 and transfer that electricalenergy to the energy storing device 25. One skilled in the art willappreciate that any means known to charge the energy storing device maybe utilized. For example, a power cord may plug into the chargingterminal 108 of the device 105. In another exemplary embodiment, thecharging terminal 108 may comprise inductive charging technology and theenergy storing device may be charged inductively without a directphysical connection between the charging terminals and an external powersource. One exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4, in where thedevice 105 can be placed in an inductive charging base 115 which isadapted to charge the energy storing device 105 without a directphysical connection between the charging terminal and the charging base.This embodiment minimizes the potential for electrical shock or otherhazardous issues regarding electricity since the device may be utilizedin close proximity to water.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 15 comprises asealable opening 10, wherein the opening 10 is adapted to allow the userto fill the reservoir 20 with a benefit composition. In anotheralternative embodiment, the reservoir 20 is removable from the device105. In this embodiment, the reservoir may be refilled, or the user canjust insert new reservoirs containing benefit compositions into thedevice 105.

In one alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4, the device 5further comprises a docking station 115, wherein the docking station 115is adapted to hold at least a portion of the housing and to recharge theenergy storage device 25. In addition, the docking station 115 may beadapted to refill the reservoir 20 when depleted of the benefitcomposition.

As noted above, the device 5 may comprise a logic control unit 30. Inone embodiment, the controller may be a microcontroller. A suitablemicrocontroller is manufactured by MicroChip, of Chandler, Ariz. underthe Part No. PICI 6LS876-04/P. However, other microcontrollers made bydifferent manufacturers could also easily be used. In one exemplaryembodiment, the microcontroller includes on-board random access memory(RAM), and on-board read only memory (ROM), which comprises electricallyprogrammable nonvolatile memory elements, as well as on-board input andoutput lines for analog and digital signals. The controller may also beused with a crystal clock oscillator, although an RC circuit could beused instead of a clock circuit, if desired. The clock circuit providestiming of the clock as necessary to operate the controller. In oneembodiment, the controller comprises a port that can be interfaced to anoptional programming interface using a communication link, such as anRS-232 communication link. This port allows the user to alter theprogram information of the controller, such as dispensing options, etc.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller can be anytype of microprocessor or microcontroller circuit commerciallyavailable, either with or without on-board RAM, ROM or digital andanalog input/output (I/O). Moreover, a sequential processor may be usedto control the fabric article treating device 5, or alternatively, aparallel processor architecture or logic state machine architecturecould be used. Furthermore, the controller 30 may be integrated into anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) containing many otherlogic elements that could be used for various functions, as desired,such functions being optional dependent upon the model of the fabricarticle treating devices that will be sold to a consumer. To changemodel features, the manufacturer need only program the ASIC or theon-board RAM of the controller according to the special parameters ofthat particular model, while using the same hardware for each of theunits. It will also be understood that discreet digital logic could beused instead of any type of microprocessor or microcontroller unit, oranalog control circuitry could be used along with voltage comparatorsand analog timers, to control the timing events and to make decisionsbased on input levels in the various sensors that are provided with thefabric article treating device.

It will be understood that the present invention can be readily used inother types of fabric article drying appliances, and is not limitedsolely to clothes “dryers”. In the context of this patent document, theterms “dryer” or “drying apparatus” or “fabric article drying appliance”include apparatuses that may or may not perform a true drying function,but may involve treating fabric without attempting to literally dry thefabric itself. As noted above, the term “dryer” or “drying apparatus” or“fabric article drying appliance” may include a “dry cleaning” processor apparatus, which may or may not literally involve the step of drying.The term “fabric article drying appliance” as used herein, also refersto any fabric treating apparatus that utilizes moving air directly uponone or more fabric articles, a non-limiting example of which includes aclothes dryer and modifications thereof. Such apparatuses include bothdomestic and commercial drying units used in dwellings, laundromats,hotels, and/or industrial settings. In addition, it should be noted thatsome drying appliances include a drying chamber (or “drum”) that doesnot literally move or rotate while the drying appliance is applied tothe drying cycle. Some such dryers use moving air that passes throughthe drying chamber, and the chamber does not move while the drying cycleoccurs. Such an example dryer has a door or other type of access coverthat allows a person to insert the clothing to be dried into thechamber. In many cases, the person hangs the clothes on some type ofupper rod within the drying chamber. Once that has been done, the dooror access cover is closed, and the dryer can begin its drying function.Dispensing of a benefit composition can take place within such a unit,however, care should be taken to ensure that the benefit compositionbecomes well dispensed within the drying chamber, so that certain fabricitems do not receive a very large concentration of the benefitcomposition while other fabric articles receive very little of thebenefit composition.

All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; a citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and broad scope of the invention. It istherefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A fabric article treating device comprising: a housing with at leastone reservoir configured to contain benefit composition; an energyharvesting system, wherein the energy harvesting system is adapted toconvert mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy; an energystoring device, wherein the energy storing device is adapted to storeelectrical energy from the energy harvesting system; a fluid handlingsystem, wherein the fluid handling system is adapted to transportbenefit composition from the reservoir to fabric in a fabric articledrying appliance; and a control unit, wherein the control unit isadapted to control dispensing of benefit composition from the device. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting system comprises anelectro-active polymer in electrical communication with the energystoring device, wherein the electro-active polymer is adapted to convertmechanical energy into electrical energy.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein the energy storing device comprises a capacitor.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the energy storing device comprises a hightemperature battery.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the energyharvesting system comprises a thermoelectric generator in electricalcommunication with the energy storing device, wherein the thermoelectricgenerator is adapted to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid handling system comprises apump and a nozzle, wherein the pump is adapted to discharge benefitcomposition to fabric through the nozzle; and wherein the pump is inelectrical communication with the energy storing device and the controlunit.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid handling systemcomprises a valve and transfer medium, wherein the valve is inelectrical communication with the energy storing device and the controlunit; and wherein the valve is adapted to dispense benefit compositionto fabric through the transfer medium without utilizing a pump.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is adapted to contain fromabout 20 to about 500 milliliters of benefit composition.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting system comprises a piezodevice in electrical communication with the energy storing device,wherein the piezo device is adapted to convert mechanical energy intoelectrical energy and store the electrical energy in the energy storingdevice.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or moresensors in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein thesensors are adapted to provide information relating to at least onecondition in the appliance to the control unit, and wherein theinformation is utilized at least in part to control dispensing ofbenefit composition from the device
 11. The device of claim 10, whereinat least one of the sensors comprises a temperature sensor.
 12. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises ahumidity sensor.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises a second reservoir configured to contain additional benefitcomposition.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the control unit isconfigured to send a signal to the fluid handling system to dispensebenefit composition at a predetermined condition.
 15. A fabric articletreating device comprising: a housing with at least one reservoirconfigured to contain benefit composition; a high temperature energystoring device comprising a capacitor; a fluid handling system, whereinthe fluid handling system is adapted to transport benefit compositionfrom the reservoir to fabric in a fabric article drying appliance; and acontrol unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control dispensingof benefit composition from the device.
 16. The device of claim 15,wherein the fluid handling system comprises a pump and a nozzle, whereinthe pump is adapted to discharge benefit composition to fabric throughthe nozzle; and wherein the pump is in electrical communication with thecapacitor and the control unit.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein thefluid handling system comprises a valve and transfer medium, wherein thevalve is in electrical communication with the capacitor and the controlunit; and wherein the valve is adapted to dispense benefit compositionto fabric through the transfer medium without utilizing a pump.
 18. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a sealable openingadapted to allow a user to fill the reservoir with a benefitcomposition.
 19. The device of claim 15, wherein the housing comprises asealable opening adapted to allow a user to fill the reservoir with abenefit composition.
 20. The device of claim 15, further comprising adocking station, wherein the docking station is adapted to hold thehousing and to recharge the high temperature energy storing device. 21.The device of claim 2, wherein the energy harvesting system furthercomprises an accentuation device, wherein the accentuation device isconfigured to increase the mechanical energy applied.
 22. A method fortreating a fabric article comprising delivering a benefit compositionfrom the fabric article treating device of claim 1, the methodcomprising: drying the fabric article in a fabric article dryingappliance; during the drying of the fabric article in the fabric articledrying appliance, delivering a benefit composition from the fabricarticle treating device to the fabric article; and during the drying ofthe fabric article in the fabric article drying appliance, harvestingelectrical energy from mechanical or thermal energy and storing theelectrical energy in the energy storing device.